RONDOFEST 2026

29 May – 5 June
Penang, Malaysia
6 June – 8 June
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia *
8 June – 11 June
International Tour *
* Location is subject to change.
RondoFest Music Festival and Tour is Southeast Asia's premier hub for cultural exchange and musical collaboration. It's where aspiring young musicians find mentors, hone their craft and connect with their artistic identity, all in the pursuit of excellence in classical music.

FEATURED REPERTOIRE
MAHLER Symphony No. 2 in C minor
Apply before 13 Feb
Apply as Asst. Conductor

Call for Assistant Conductor


The Assistant Conductor of RondoFest 2026 is a key artistic member of the Festival and Tour, supporting the conductor, artist faculty, and both orchestra and choir musicians across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and another city to be confirmed. The role provides an emerging conductor with meaningful professional exposure within a multi-city international music festival, offering hands-on experience in orchestral rehearsals, sectional leadership, artistic preparation, youth engagement, and festival production processes.

 

The Assistant Conductor will act as a musical partner and leadership support across rehearsals, festival activities, educational programmes, and the regional tour. The selected candidate must demonstrate strong musicianship, consistent preparation, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with young musicians and professional coaches in a dynamic, fast-paced festival environment.

 

This is a stipend-paid, project-based appointment.


Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience conducting orchestras, wind ensembles, or large ensembles (recommended: 1–3 years).
  • Strong score reading and musical preparation skills.
  • Clear and efficient rehearsal technique.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to take direction, respond to feedback, and collaborate with a diverse artistic team.
  • Ability to work under festival-style time pressure with professionalism.
  • Commitment to the full festival period (arrive Penang before/on 29 May 2026, and depart Kuala Lumpur on/after 11 June 2026).

 

Additional Preferred Skills

  • Experience working with youth or early-career musicians.
  • Sectional coaching experience (especially winds/brass).
  • Experience in chamber coaching or outreach performances.

 

Responsibilities as follows:

Artistic & Rehearsal Support

Prepare full scores thoroughly and be ready to step in for the conductor during rehearsals as required.

Lead sectional rehearsals (strings, winds, brass, or choir) as assigned.

Assist the conductor by observing rehearsals and by providing notes as requested.

Attend all rehearsals and festival activities across all festival cities.

Support young musicians in areas such as preparation, cueing, interpretation and etiquette.
Observer
Festival & Tour Support

Join the RondoFest artistic and production teams throughout the festival period in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and another city to be confirmed.

Assist with transitions, stage flow, backstage coordination, and communication between conductor, faculty, musicians, and management team.

Participate in school visits, outreach performances, or community concerts where applicable.
Educational & Community Engagement

Lead or support educational workshops, reading sessions, or outreach activities, as requested.

Serve as a positive artistic role model, offering musical and professional guidance to participants.
Conducting Opportunities

May receive opportunities to conduct on several occasions surrounding the festival period, not limited to rehearsals and concerts.

In 2026, responsibilities will include preparing and conducting the offstage component for Mahler's Symphony No. 2, alongside other assignments at the discretion of the conductor.

Engagement Details

The selected Assistant Conductor will receive:

  • a festival stipend
  • local accommodation for the full festival and tour period
  • domestic travel and ground transport during the tour

Note: International flights into and out of Malaysia must be self-funded by the selected applicant. Support letters for visa, funding, or institutional sponsorship can be provided upon request.

Application Fee

There is a non-refundable application fee for this programme, in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).

  • ASEAN Applicants: RM 150
    (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos (Lao PDR), Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam)

  • International Applicants: RM 300

Timeline & Process

Application Period

20 Dec 2025 to 13 Feb 2026, 2359 MYT

 

Shortlisted Candidate Online Interviews

Between 23 – 26 February 2026 (only if necessary)

 

Application Outcome

1 March 2026

Application Requirements

Submit the following materials to this Google Form (click here) before 13 February 2026:

 

A. Video Submission (10–15 minutes) (in URL)

A single link (YouTube unlisted / Google Drive / Dropbox) containing:

  • At least 5 minutes of rehearsal footage
    • Show how you correct, refine, and improve the ensemble
    • Must include stopping and giving instructions
  • At least 5 minutes of performance footage (live or studio)
  • Camera angle: front-facing, showing full conducting gesture.

 

Preferred repertoire:

  • Classical orchestral excerpts
  • Wind ensemble repertoire
  • Contemporary or chamber orchestra works
  • Youth orchestra/academy work is acceptable if clear conducting detail is visible

 

B. Curriculum Vitae (in PDF)

Maximum 2 pages. Include:

  • Education
  • Conducting teachers/mentors
  • Ensemble experience
  • Festivals/workshops/masterclasses
  • Ensemble leadership or teaching roles

 

C. Short Statement (max 300 words) (in PDF)

Share why you wish to serve as the Assistant Conductor for RondoFest 2026, and how this opportunity aligns with your artistic development and commitment to music education in Southeast Asia.

 

D. Optional (in PDF)

Up to 2 recommendation letters (Not required, but good to have.)

Apply now as our Assistant Conductor!

Grab the chance to co-lead our international festival orchestra on monumental repertoire.
Apply Now
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